Allie named world’s Best Masters Athlete for 2013

11/4/2013

USATF masters athlete Charles Allie (Pittsburgh, Pa.) has been named male Best Masters Athlete of the Year by World Masters Athletics. He will be awarded his title at the IAAF Gala Dinner to be held in Monaco, Saturday, Nov. 16.

Competing in the M65 division, Allie in 2013 broke outdoor world records in the 200 meters (24.65) and 400m (56.09) in 2013, and set an indoor world mark of 25.41 in the 200m. He won individual world titles in the 100m (12.55), 200m (25.00) and 400m (56.60), winning the 400m by 7.85 seconds. At the USA Masters Indoor Championships in Landover, Md., Allie won the 60m (7.90) and 400m (58.81) in American record time, in addition to setting the WR in the 200m. At the USA Masters Outdoor Championships in Olathe, Kan., he won the 100m (12.89), 200m (25.51) and 400m (56.90AR).

“I still haven’t gotten over it yet,” said Allie. “It’s so amazing. A lot of the athletes were telling me I was having a fantastic year, but I didn’t know what it took to earn this honor. This is at the top of my list of achievements right next to setting a world record in 2013, and being able to go to a world meet and win five gold medals.”

Allie’s track & field success began when he was named city champion as a junior in high school. He went on to compete collegiately for Hampton University, running 100m, 200m and 400m races. After completing his studies, he returned home to Pittsburgh where he was an educator for 34 years.

Allie ran in several open meets during his 30s before competing in his first masters event at age 40. Now age 66 and the oldest sprinter of the Houston Elite Track & Field Club team, he runs anchor for both relay events.

“They call me 'One Speed' because I run the same speed in all my events instead of pacing myself,” said Allie. “I guess the longevity paid off and competing all these years to stay healthy has really put me on this particular level.”

Allie follows Bob Lida (Wichita, Kan.), Phil Raschker (Marietta, Ga.) and Bill Collins (Houston, Texas) to become the fourth member of Houston Elite to be named World Best Masters Athlete of the Year.

Charles Allie and his wife are both retired teachers, and they have two children.

Canada’s Christa Bortignon was named the female World's Best Masters Athlete of the Year.